BOEMRE reduces offshore Massachussetts wind lease area

BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich says the agency is reducing the area under consideration for future commercial wind energy leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore Massachusetts. This reduction is in response to multiple comments received in response to a Request for Interest (RFI) issued on December 29, 2010.

“We have heard significant concerns from the people of Massachusetts and we have acted on those concerns,” said Director  Bromwich.  “BOEMRE is committed to continuing the public engagement process as we look to identify the potential areas for offshore energy development in the federal waters south of Massachusetts.”

In response to the RFI, BOEMRE received nearly 250 comments, including several from the Massachusetts commercial fishing community, the Governor’s office, and the congressional delegation, which argued for the reduction of the area under consideration. Comments also addressed other uses of the sea and seabed (e.g. environmental, cultural and socioeconomic) and expressions of interest for commercial wind. 

BOEMRE has received 11 submissions from ten companies describing commercial leasing interest within the RFI area. BOEMRE is reviewing these submissions for completeness and also to evaluate legal, technical and financial qualifications to hold an OCS renewable energy lease.  

BOEMRE has not yet identified an area that may be offered for leasing or approved for subsequent development. Next steps include continued meetings of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Force to inform members of the submissions of interest, comments received, and to discuss next steps, including the identification of a “Smart from the Start Wind Energy Area” and the development of a Call for Information and Nominations. After consulting with Task Force members and stakeholders, BOEMRE may further modify the area under consideration for potential leasing.  

May 2, 2011